FOI reveals NHS Lothian’s 900 call-outs to pest exterminators

COCKROACHES, rats and mice infestations have led to nearly 900 call-outs for pest controllers at NHS Lothian sites since 2010.

Figures obtained by the Edinburgh Evening News reveal spending has more than doubled as health bosses battle to rid hospitals and health centres of nuisance visitors – anything from flying ants to foxes.

The health board was asked, under a Freedom of Information Act request, to provide details of how often pest controllers had visited any of its premises.

I am a journalist and author. I am a staff writer at the UK edition of WIRED magazine and in 2015 my book, Freedom of Information: A Practical Guide for UK Journalists, was published. I created FOI Directory in 2012.